The Security and Information Agency (BIA) has reportedly summoned more than 10 students for what it described as a “friendly and informal conversation” ahead of the Military Parade scheduled to take place tomorrow near the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade.
The information was confirmed to Nova.rs by lawyer Jovan Rajić, who represents one of the summoned students. According to him, students involved in months-long faculty blockades in Belgrade received calls yesterday to appear at various police stations for questioning.
Rajić questioned the role of BIA in such matters, stating:
“It is absurd to have BIA offices in every police station. What does BIA have to do with students expressing political views? The law speaks of safeguarding the constitutional order and national security. But where is the security threat here?”
Questions Related to Military Parade
Students were allegedly asked about their plans for the parade, after reports circulated that some protesters intended to whistle at President Aleksandar Vučić during his speech.
Rajić clarified that the students’ internal document only mentioned whistling as a symbolic act of protest, without any indication of unrest or violent activities. He added that the so-called “friendly conversations” were intimidating for the students, even though BIA officers behaved politely.
Criticism of Government Actions
The lawyer argued that the government’s actions serve to traumatize and intimidate young people, reflecting a climate of fear and paranoia.
“They are frightening children who are not even active leaders of the protests. This is misuse of state resources to pressure citizens,” Rajić said.
This is not the first time BIA has called students for questioning. Previous cases include students from the University of Belgrade and University of Novi Sad, raising broader concerns about the legality of such actions.
Legal expert Radoljub Šabić has previously stressed that a “friendly conversation” has no basis in Serbian law and constitutes abuse of power by institutions meant to uphold the law.
